Zubiri to go on three-week vacation with family

Former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri will have a three-week vacation with his family in the aftermath of his replacement as the Upper Chamber's leader.

“Magbabakasyon muna ako kasama ng aking pamilya (I will go on a vacation with my family first). I think they deserve my undivided attention at this point in time. I am on vacation mode for the next three weeks,” Zubiri said.

“This is at no cost to the government. This is personal [expense] iyong pagbiyahe with my family. It’s a little ‘me time’...little emotional and mental break from all the politics and the nasty backstabbing na nangyayari dito sa pulitika natin sa Pilipinas (that is happening in the politics here in the country),” he added.

Congress adjourned sine die last May 23. It will return on July 22 for the third State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

But before the adjournment, Zubiri was replaced after 15 of his colleagues voted to unseat him and elect Senator Francis Escudero as his successor.

Zubiri has since said he felt betrayed.

Escudero and new Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada earlier said Malacañang has no hand in the Senate leadership change.

The President, however, said on Wednesday that he was aware of efforts to oust Zubiri all along.

Asked for comment over the President’s knowledge of his ouster, Zubiri held back his tongue.

“No comment...no comment na lang ako dyan sa kanila. Bahala na sila, ang taumbayan na ang humusga (That is up to them. It is for the public to decide),” he said.

Zubiri’s second consecutive and last term as senator will end on June 30, 2025.

He has previously said that he is set to retire from politics.

Zubiri, however, said he is still determined to do his job as a legislator.

“Okay naman. I am very happy...medyo mas relax na. Siyempre, malaking dagok natanggal sa aking likod and we're just looking forward to the next year or so to be able to pass legislation that is good for the people,” he added.

(I am okay, kind of relaxed. It was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.)

Zubiri also said that he and six other senators who voted for him to retain his post will discuss their plans after his three-week vacation.—AOL, GMA Integrated News